Nabor service ace triggers NU Lady Bulldogs celebration

National University banked on its cohesion in the crucial moments as it bested fancied Ateneo, 25-19, 25-19, 20-25, 12-25, 15-7, yesterday in UAAP women’s volleyball at The Arena in San Juan City.

Setter Jasmine Nabor delivered the game-winning service ace, and she was mobbed by her teammates after the ball fell unchallenged in the middle of the Ateneo defense.

The Lady Bulldogs pulled away from a 4-all tie in the deciding fifth frame with Risa Sato, Jaja Santiago and Nabor steering the squad to their second straight win and early solo lead.

Ateneo suffered a 0-2 start following a five-set heartbreaker to Far Eastern University last Sunday – its worst since Coach Tai Bundit took over four years ago.

Skipper Santiago led NU with 26 points while Nabor tossed 29 excellent sets apart from adding seven aces to finish with 11 points.

University of Santo Tomas recovered from an opening-day slump as it disposed of University of the East, 2517, 25-15, 25-21.

Sisi Rondina paced the Tigresses with 20 points, 19 from attacks, as they regained their bearings from their heartbreaking loss to defending champion La Salle last Sunday.

In men’s action, UST followed up its strong start by besting UE, 25-11, 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, for 2-0.

Arnold Bautista and Joshua Umandal led with 13 points and 12 points for the Tigers, who relied on their fierce attacks on the way to 51 kills.